Definition
cytotoxic
adjective
- poisonous or harmful to cells; capable of causing cell death or damage
Usage: medical/scientific term; commonly used in oncology and immunology
Examples
- Chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic agents that target rapidly dividing cancer cells.
- The immune system produces cytotoxic T cells to destroy infected or abnormal cells.
- Researchers tested the cytotoxic effects of the new compound on tumor samples.
- Certain natural substances have been found to have cytotoxic properties against leukemia cells.
- The cytotoxic activity of the drug was measured in laboratory experiments.
- Doctors must carefully balance the cytotoxic benefits of cancer treatment with potential side effects.